How to do Survival Backstroke

The Fastest Way to Swim Above Water Group A Knife Defense Techniques

How to do Survival Backstroke

Learn how to do survival backstroke for swimming long distance in a survival situation. Survival backstroke is floating on your back as you propel through the water. You use a simultaneous frog/breaststroke kick and a sculling motion with your hands. Your arms and legs move and come together at the same time.

The information in this post is from the book “Swim Workouts and Water Rescue Skills” by Sam Fury. Available on Amazon.com in Kindle and Print. Get your copy today!

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How to do Survival Backstroke

The main goal of the survival backstroke is to conserve energy and reduce heat loss.

To maximize energy conservation, do the survival backstroke very slow. Take short strokes and glide for as long as possible. Only take the next stroke when you feel your legs dropping or you loose forward momentum.

Taking short strokes minimizes heat loss from under your armpits and between your legs. Your arms should not extend beyond your shoulders. Also, at the end of each stroke, bring your arms and legs together. Hold them close but comfortable against your body.

Also use the survival backstroke is if an underwater explosion is likely. You will want to go faster so you can escape the blast, so make your strokes larger. Take your next stroke sooner than normal, but not too soon. Make the most out of your streamlined glide position while achieving the most speed.